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Friday, October 5

Day 5 - Build a Simple Modern Headboard

Today we are going to do a fun project for the bedroom. You can see links to the complete series here, and read details about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of
2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for
anyone. This is one of my biggest projects in the series, so I'm going to split it in to two days, starting with the headboard section today.

This simple, modern style bed has a unique long & low headboard with built-in nightstands (that we'll tackle tomorrow!). The plans are for a queen size bed, but could easily be adapted to other sizes. This headboard would make a statement in any room, but if you adjust the measurements to fill an entire wall in your bedroom it would be a show stopping feature! Let's get started with the headboard.

Please read all the directions
before beginning, and cut your pieces as you go, measuring before each cut. Use
2 1/2” screws or pocket holes with 2 1/2" screws unless otherwise
indicated. Always use glue. Pre-drill and countersink your screws.I
have not built from these exact plans, so measure lots to make sure things work
out!

Step 1: Build the center section.
Use the center panels to connect the center posts. Keep all edges flush. If you have a Kreg Jig, you can attach all the center panels together first to create one solid piece, then attache the center posts. If not, just attach the boards one at a time. You can use a Kreg Jig to attach the panels, or drill through the legs with 4" screws and glue. **I designed this headboard to reach all the way to to floor, but when you build it consider leaving some space if there will be an outlet or anything behind the headboard. If you need access space, you can leave off some center panels at the bottom of the headboard. Just be sure to measure how high your mattress will reach and don't leave out any boards above that point. You don't want any gaps showing above your mattress! Also, if you don't want a wide headboard you can stop at this point for a simple queen size headboard. If you have a different size bed, adjust the center panels accordingly.**

Step 2: Add the side sections.
Now you can add the side panels. If you have a Kreg Jig you can start by attaching 12 panels together side-to-side for each section, the attach them all at once. Otherwise just attach them one at a time, keeping all edges flush. Attach them to the center post using your Kreg Jig and 2 1/2" pocket screws and glue. If you don't have a Kreg Jig it will be a little trickier but you can still do it. You'll need to screw everything together from the back by angling your screws so they go through the panels and hit the posts. Use glue, too. **If you want to change the overall width of your headboard like I mentioned earlier, do it by adjusting the width of these side panels. The center panels is the size of the bed (queen size) and the sides are where you get all the extra horizontal space.**

Step 3: Headboard Trim
Now you can attach the trim pieces starting with the top trim (D), followed by the side trim (E). Keep all edges flush. You can attach these with your Kreg Jig or with 4" screws and glue.

Step 4: Finishing??
If you just want to build the headboard, you're done building! Go ahead and finish it. Start by filling any holes and giving the whole thing a good sanding. Then finish with whatever paint/stain/polyurethane you want. To install the headboard, anchor it securely to the wall at the head of your bed.

Want to build the nightstands and bed frame too? Hold off on the finishing and come back tomorrow for the rest of the plans!

Dusty submitted this great twist on the Simple Modern Bed. The 2x4s running across the headboard are slanted to add a great texture, and the nightstands were installed with custom slanted supports. Great job and thanks for the pic!

I love what you are doing! I'm a military wife, mom and a homemaker. Your plans are giving me things to occupy my time when my hubby is deployed and the kids in school. Not only that, but with you're creativeness, I can make our home HOME without breaking the bank!! Kudos!!

A king size mattress is 76" wide (a queen is 60") so you just need to add 16" to all the boards in the center section of the headboard (and to the bed end and slats if you're building the frame, too http://www.morelikehome.net/2012/10/day-6-build-simple-modern-bed.html). Hope that helps! :)

I expect it would work, but haven't tried it to say for sure. :) A king size mattress is 76" wide (a queen is 60") so you just need to add 16" to all the boards in the center section of the headboard (and to the bed end and slats if you're building the frame, too http://www.morelikehome.net/2012/10/day-6-build-simple-modern-bed.html). Hope that helps! :)

I stumbled upon your series of 2x4 posts while looking for some plans for living room furniture, but when I saw this I knew what I needed to do for my bed. I guess I'll just have to pick up some extra lumber when I'm at the store.

Hi! I'm Georgia! I'm a full time wife & mommy, a lover of yard sales, curb finds, DIY, and all things thrifty. I'm always looking for low cost ways to make this place feel like home. More about me and my family